Strange movie with some interesting philosophy and good moments.
Spoiler
I never understand what Donnie did to break out of the time loop. It seemed like all of the events of the previous loops still occurred throughout the movie, so why was the final loop significant? What caused him to stay in his bed? Was his death necessary, and if so, why?
I understand that it has prompted a lot of debate and conversation, which was very likely the goal.
Spoiler
However, I don’t find any of that information or explanations compelling. The author of that article even admits multiple times that the understanding and interpretation is ambiguous. None of the “why” or the “how” is definitively explained.
Sensitive subject matter below:
I’m also almost certainly biased to view the message of the movie negatively in hindsight. I’m on the spectrum and struggled severely with my mental health for years, including when I watched this movie for the first time. The fact that the movie ends with his suicide being portrayed as a heroic and noble act had a profoundly negative impact on me for many years.
That’s fair enough. I tend to look at things overly analytically, and I have a hard time when there isn’t a clear answer, or even potential answer to “why?”
If every answer is a paradox, and the conclusion happens because “that’s just how it happened,” I feel unsatisfied. I want it to mean something conclusive, even if that conclusive meaning is ambiguous.
I think a movie that accomplishes this concept more effectively is Inception. The ending is very ambiguous, but there are multiple concrete and logical interpretations. Those possibilities feel exciting to discuss and explore to me personally, while Donnie Darko just leaves me with more questions and confusion.
Thank you. It’s getting late here, I’m just running out of steam. I’m glad you’re in a better space, and wish you all the best. Perhaps we’ll meet again.
Great movie.
Strange movie with some interesting philosophy and good moments.
Spoiler
I never understand what Donnie did to break out of the time loop. It seemed like all of the events of the previous loops still occurred throughout the movie, so why was the final loop significant? What caused him to stay in his bed? Was his death necessary, and if so, why?
https://screenrant.com/donnie-darko-timeline-ending-meaning-explained/
I understand that it has prompted a lot of debate and conversation, which was very likely the goal.
Spoiler
However, I don’t find any of that information or explanations compelling. The author of that article even admits multiple times that the understanding and interpretation is ambiguous. None of the “why” or the “how” is definitively explained.
Sensitive subject matter below:
I’m also almost certainly biased to view the message of the movie negatively in hindsight. I’m on the spectrum and struggled severely with my mental health for years, including when I watched this movie for the first time. The fact that the movie ends with his suicide being portrayed as a heroic and noble act had a profoundly negative impact on me for many years.
I watched it once, and took the alternate timeline translation. For me the ambiguity makes it more artistic. It means what you want it to mean.
That’s fair enough. I tend to look at things overly analytically, and I have a hard time when there isn’t a clear answer, or even potential answer to “why?”
If every answer is a paradox, and the conclusion happens because “that’s just how it happened,” I feel unsatisfied. I want it to mean something conclusive, even if that conclusive meaning is ambiguous.
I think a movie that accomplishes this concept more effectively is Inception. The ending is very ambiguous, but there are multiple concrete and logical interpretations. Those possibilities feel exciting to discuss and explore to me personally, while Donnie Darko just leaves me with more questions and confusion.
I understand. I’m sorry you were distressed.
No worries mate, that’s thankfully in the past. I appreciate this brief discussion, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you. It’s getting late here, I’m just running out of steam. I’m glad you’re in a better space, and wish you all the best. Perhaps we’ll meet again.